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Class of 2000 A capsule look at baseball's newest Hall of Famers
Carlton Ernest "Pudge" Fisk Born: Dec. 26, 1947, in Bellows Falls, Vt. Batted right, threw right
Caught more games (2,226) than any player in major league history. ... An 11-time All-Star. ... Hit one of baseball's most famous and replayed home runs. With him waving the ball fair, his 12th-inning shot off the foul pole at Fenway Park lifted Boston over Cincinnati 7-6 in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. ... Played 11 seasons with the Red Sox and 13 with the Chicago White Sox. Will wear a Boston cap on his Hall plaque. ... Hit 379 career home runs, including a major league record 351 as a catcher. ... Was the AL's first unanimous Rookie of the Year. Earned honor in 1972 after hitting .293 with 22 home runs and a league-leading nine triples. ... A native of New England, one of Boston's most popular players until difficult split with Red Sox management after 1980 season. In 1993, was released at age 42 by White Sox one week after they held a day in his honor at Comiskey Park. Because of both circumstances, many were unsure which hat he would pick for his Hall plaque. ... Now works for Red Sox as special assistant to the general manager. ... Once tagged out two runners at the plate on the same play at Yankee Stadium. ... Had two other memorable moments at Yankee Stadium -- caught Tom Seaver's 300th victory at the ballpark, and also lectured Yankees rookie Deion Sanders about running out popups.
Atanasio Perez y Rigal Born: May 14, 1942, in Camaguey, Cuba Batted right, threw right
One of baseball's best clutch hitters and run producers. ... Popular first baseman known as "Doggie," he hit in the heart of the order for the Big Red Machine. ... Had 1,652 RBIs in his career, highest total among Latin players. Had been the most among any player not in the Hall until he was elected in January by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. ... Drove in 954 runs in the decade of the 1970s, second-most in majors to teammate Johnny Bench. ... Enters Hall this year with his former manager, Sparky Anderson. Already in the Hall were Bench and Joe Morgan. Pete Rose still hoping to get in. ... Hit three homers as Cincinnati won 1975 World Series, batted .313 as Reds repeated in 1976 World Series. ... Hit 379 career home runs from 1964-86 with Reds, Montreal, Red Sox and Philadelphia. ... Played in five World Series, four with Reds and one with Philadelphia. ... Had seven seasons with 100 RBIs. ... A seven-time All-Star at first base and third base. MVP of the 1967 game after hitting winning home run in 15th inning. ... Had nine seasons with 20 or more homers. ... Left his job at a sugar cane factory in Havana to sign a minor league contract with Cincinnati in 1960. ... Now works in front office for the Florida Marlins. ... His No. 24 is retired by the Reds. Ken Griffey Jr. wanted to wear it this year and Reds management said no.
George Lee Anderson Born: Feb. 22, 1934, in Bridgewater, S.D. Batted right, threw right
Only manager to win World Series championships in both leagues. Won 1975-76 titles with Cincinnati's Big Red Machine and 1984 crown with Detroit. ... Ranks third on career win list, compiling 2,194-1,834 record. Trailed Connie Mack (3,731) and John McGraw (2,784). ... Spent 1970-78 in Cincinnati and 1979-95 in Detroit. Led both clubs in career victories -- only manager to top two teams. ... Sixteenth manager to make Hall. ... Won five pennants with two other division titles. ... Ranks No. 1 with 18 League Championship wins. ... Popular with players, fans and media members, projecting a grandfatherly image with his pipe. ... Known as "Captain Hook" for his frequent trips to the mound in late innings. ... Only manager to post 100-win seasons in AL and NL. ... Walked out of spring training in 1995 rather than work with replacements during a players' strike. ... An eternal optimist, especially in spring training. Once touted rookie Chris Pittaro as baseball's next big star. ... Had signed as a coach with California for 1970 season before getting call from Reds to replace Dave Bristol. Let go by Cincinnati after 1978, took over for Les Moss in Detroit on June 14, 1979. ... Played one season in the majors, hitting .218 with no homers and 34 RBIs in 152 games as Phillies second baseman in 1959. Returned to minors for following four years in Toronto, then managed team in 1964. ... Coached for San Diego Padres in their 1969 expansion season. ... Grew up near Los Angeles. Was a batboy for Southern California coach Rod Dedeaux.
TURKEY STEARNES
Outfielder hit .359 during 18-year career in Negro Leagues. ... Ranks first in triples, second in home runs and fourth in batting average in all-time Negro Leagues history. ... Started with Detroit Stars in 1923. ... Played in four of first five All-Star games. ... Hit .313 in exhibition games against major league teams. ... Said teammate Satchel Paige: "One of the greatest hitters we ever had. He was as good as anyone who ever played ball."
BID McPHEE
Second baseman hit .271 from 1882-1899. ... Played entire career in Cincinnati, first in the American Association and then in the National League. ... One of baseball's last barehanded players. Resisted using a glove until his later years. ... Was first 19th century player at any position to take part in 100 double plays in a season. ... Scored 1,678 runs and stole 568 bases. ... Was 5-foot-8, prompting his nickname that was shortened from "Bitty." ... Hit three triples in an 1890 game against future Hall of Famer Amos Rusie. ... Managed Reds in 1901-02.
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